Free Health Clinic receives high honors in audit

The Northern Neck Free Health Clinic (NNFHC) received high marks again following an audit Dec. 5 by RxPartnership (RxP).

A part of NNFHC operations includes partnerships with a variety of pharmaceutical companies to secure medicines for free or at a reduced cost. These partners may audit NNFHC operations at any time, and RxP – which represents several large companies – conducts a day-long audit annually. Two RxP representatives conducted this year’s audit at the NNFHC in Kilmarnock.

During the audit, pharmacy processes are reviewed, and 50 patient charts are pulled randomly and reviewed to assure that the patient has met eligibility requirements, that all documentation used to determine eligibility is up to date and on file, and that each prescription is ordered and filled properly.

“We put a lot of emphasis on eligibility, and it is good to know that outside reviews support our efforts,” said Jean Nelson, NNFHC Executive Director. “All patients initially are screened by staff, and then by volunteers. Every chart is reviewed before each patient visit to make certain documentation is up to date, and that the patient is eligible for Clinic services. It’s a team effort, including staff and volunteer screeners, reception, and pharmacy workers.”

The Clinic’s comprehensive eligibility requirements include proof of all income, including tax returns, W-2s if no taxes are filed, pay stubs, statements of support, and other documentation.

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